And that is how you find me now a member of your shy lot,
Which you wouldn’t have found, had he been bound apprentice to a pilot.
(Kneeling at his feet.) Oh, pardon! Frederic, pardon!
Fred. Rise, sweet one; I have long pardoned you.
Ruth (rises). The two words were so much alike.
Fred. They were. They still are, though years have rolled over their heads. (Ruth goes up with Samuel.) But this afternoon my obligation ceases. Individually I love you all with affection unspeakable, but collectively, I look upon you with a disgust that amounts to absolute detestation. Oh! pity me, my beloved friend, for such is my sense of duty, that once out of my indentures I shall feel myself bound to devote myself heart and soul to your extermination!
All. Poor lad! poor lad! (All weep.)
King. Well, Frederic, if you conscientiously feel that it is your duty to destroy us, we cannot blame you for acting on that conviction. Always act in accordance with the dictates of your conscience, my boy, and chance the consequences.
Sam. Besides, we can offer you but little temptation to remain with us. We don’t seem to make piracy pay. I’m sure I don’t know why, but we don’t.
Fred. I know why, but, alas! I mustn’t tell you; it wouldn’t be right.